Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
14.3K
Age-related differences in sequential modulations of problem-size and rule-violation effects during arithmetic
Patrick Lemaire1,2, Fleur Brun3
1Aix-Marseille Université and CNRS, Marseille, France. patrick.lemaire@univ-amu.fr.
Memory & Cognition
|October 31, 2015
Summary
Both young and older adults exhibit problem-size and five-rule effects in arithmetic verification. Performance on current math problems depends on strategies used with preceding problems, with larger sequential effects observed in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
- Mathematical Cognition
Background:
- Arithmetic performance is influenced by various factors, including problem complexity and specific numerical rules.
- Age-related cognitive changes can impact mathematical processing and strategy selection.
- Understanding sequential effects in cognitive tasks is crucial for elucidating underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate problem-size and five-rule effects in arithmetic verification among young and older adults.
- To examine sequential modulations of these effects based on preceding problem characteristics.
- To explore age-related differences in the sequential modulation of arithmetic performance.
Main Methods:
- Participants (young and older adults) verified true and false arithmetic problems.
- Problems varied in size (small vs. large) and adherence to the 'five rule' (rule-respecting vs. rule-violating false problems).
- Reaction times and accuracy were recorded to analyze problem-size and five-rule effects, and their sequential modulations.
Main Results:
- Both age groups demonstrated significant problem-size effects (faster verification for small problems) and five-rule effects (faster verification for rule-violating problems).
- Sequential modulations were observed: problem-size effects were larger following large problems, and five-rule effects were larger following rule-violating problems.
- Sequential modulations of problem-size effects were more pronounced in older adults compared to young adults.
Conclusions:
- Arithmetic performance is dynamically influenced by the characteristics of recently encountered problems, highlighting the role of strategy selection and execution.
- Older adults show heightened sensitivity to sequential influences on problem-size effects, suggesting age-related differences in strategic adaptation.
- These findings contribute to understanding the cognitive underpinnings of arithmetic processing and how it is modulated by task history and aging.
More Related Videos
09:01A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance
Published on: May 7, 2014
10.6K
04:30An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing
Published on: October 25, 2019
6.2K
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ampere-Maxwell's Law: Problem-Solving
1.3K
A parallel-plate capacitor with capacitance C, whose plates have area A and separation distance d, is connected to a resistor R and a battery of voltage V. The current starts to flow at t = 0. What is the displacement current between the capacitor plates at time t? From the properties of the capacitor, what is the corresponding real current?
To solve the problem, we can use the equations from the analysis of an RC circuit and Maxwell's version of Ampère's law.
For the first part of the...
To solve the problem, we can use the equations from the analysis of an RC circuit and Maxwell's version of Ampère's law.
For the first part of the...
1.3K
01:31Ampere's Law: Problem-Solving
4.7K
Ampere's law states that for any closed looped path, the line integral of the magnetic field along the path equals the vacuum permeability times the current enclosed in the loop. If the fingers of the right hand curl along the direction of the integration path, the current in the direction of the thumb is considered positive. The current opposite to the thumb direction is considered negative.
Specific steps need to be considered while calculating the symmetric magnetic field distribution...
Specific steps need to be considered while calculating the symmetric magnetic field distribution...
4.7K
00:59Biot-Savart Law: Problem-Solving
4.2K
The magnitude and direction of a magnetic field created by a steady current can be calculated using the Biot-Savart law.
Consider a mobile phone battery bank as a source of steady current, which flows through the wire connected between the two. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field created by this current at a field point P?
To estimate the magnitude of the total magnetic field, we first consider a small current element of length dl, at a distance r from the field point. Now the following...
Consider a mobile phone battery bank as a source of steady current, which flows through the wire connected between the two. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field created by this current at a field point P?
To estimate the magnitude of the total magnetic field, we first consider a small current element of length dl, at a distance r from the field point. Now the following...
4.2K
01:16Statically Indeterminate Problem Solving
866
Statically indeterminate problems are those where statics alone can not determine the internal forces or reactions. Consider a structure comprising two cylindrical rods made of steel and brass. These rods are joined at point B and restrained by rigid supports at points A and C. Now, the reactions at points A and C and the deflection at point B are to be determined. This rod structure is classified as statically indeterminate as the structure has more supports than are necessary for maintaining...
866
01:12Theorems of Pappus and Guldinus: Problem Solving
1.2K
Pappus and Guldinus's theorems are powerful mathematical principles that are used for finding the surface area and volume of composite shapes. For example, consider a cylindrical storage tank with a conical top. Finding the surface area or volume can be challenging for such complex shapes. These theorems are particularly useful in calculating the volume and surface area of such systems. Here, the cylindrical storage tank with a conical top can be broken down into two simple shapes: a...
1.2K
01:29Problem-Solving
628
Effective problem-solving consists of two steps: 1. identifying the problem and 2. selecting the appropriate problem-solving strategy (i.e., a plan of action used to find a solution). Humans use four problem-solving strategies:
628